Dessert

Strawberry Cream Filled Donuts Recipe

ByLana Polati October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

Enjoy the sweet delight of homemade strawberry cream-filled donuts made from scratch with fresh strawberries. These soft, fluffy donuts are bursting with rich strawberry cream and are far better than any store-bought version. Perfect for breakfast or a special treat, they bring the joy of fresh fruit and creamy filling into every bite.

The image shows several round cream-filled buns placed closely together on a white plate with a scalloped edge. Each bun is golden brown with a shiny top dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The buns are sliced horizontally, filled with a thick, light pink cream that has visible bits of fruit, and layered in the middle. Fresh red strawberries, some whole and some cut, are scattered around the buns on the plate. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 envelope active dry yeast
2 tbsp warm water
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 stick softened butter
3 egg yolks
4 tbsp sugar
1 quart vegetable oil
2 cups sugar (for coating)

For the filling:
4 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tbsp water
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp strawberry jam

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the yeast and warm water in a bowl and let it activate.
Step 2: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, milk, softened butter, egg yolks, sugar, and the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed.
Step 3: Mix until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it into a smooth ball.
Step 5: Place the dough ball into a large bowl brushed lightly with olive oil. Cover with a towel and let it rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
Step 6: Punch the dough down and divide it into 14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small round ball and place on a baking tray lined with flour-dusted parchment paper.
Step 7: Cover the dough balls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 8: Heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place 3-4 donuts at a time into the hot oil and fry for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 9: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, toss the donuts in sugar to coat evenly.
Step 10: Using a sharp object, poke a hole in the side of each donut to prepare for filling.
Step 11: For the filling, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and strawberry jam in a stand mixer bowl with a beater. Mix until smooth.
Step 12: In a small pan, simmer the sliced strawberries, sugar, and water over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool.
Step 13: Add 1 cup of the cooled strawberry mixture to the cream cheese mixture and stir gently to combine.
Step 14: Transfer the filling to a piping bag and insert the tip into each donut’s hole. Squeeze until the filling is well distributed inside the donut.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in your filling.
For easier frying, keep your oil temperature steady at 375°F to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
Try swapping strawberry jam for raspberry or apricot jam for a different fruit twist.
If you prefer baked donuts, you can bake the dough rounds instead, though fried donuts will be softer and more authentic.

Storage

Store the strawberry cream-filled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their softness. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the donuts. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to refresh softness.

How to Serve

The image shows several round, sugar-coated donuts placed in a white dish, each topped with a swirl of light brown cream and half a sliced strawberry. The donuts have a golden-brown color, and the sugar gives them a slightly rough texture. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with fresh whole strawberries and another white bowl containing more light brown cream. The setting is on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. A woman's hand is gently holding one donut from the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How many calories are in a cream-filled donut?

A typical cream-filled donut contains approximately 250-400 calories. The exact amount depends on the size of the donut and the ingredients used in the filling and coating.

Are there healthier alternatives to cream-filled donuts?

Yes, you can opt for baked donuts instead of fried, reduce the portion size, or choose fillings with less sugar to lower the calorie content while still enjoying a delicious treat.